Becoming an Artist

$45,080

Artist Median Salary

trending_up

Job Growth

2/5

date_range Recent Years

Competition

Challenging

thumb_up You can do it!

school

Education

Bachelors

update A few short years

Overview: What does an Artist do?

Artists create art to communicate ideas, thoughts, or feelings. They use a variety of methods—painting, sculpting, or illustration—and an assortment of materials, including oils, watercolors, acrylics, pastels, pencils, pen and ink, plaster, clay, and computers. Artists usually develop their skills through a bachelor’s degree program or other postsecondary training in art or design. Keen competition is expected for both salaried jobs and freelance work. More than half of all artists were self-employed. A degree is not strictly required, although it is difficult to gain sufficient skill without formal training.

Advancement Opportunities: 109% of Average This calculation shows your opportunity for increases in earnings over time. It shows the relative strength of different careers as compared to each other

Average starting median income: $45,080

Return on Educational Investment: 71% of Average Shows the relative return on investment of an education beyond high school. The calculation uses potential earning levels over time adjusted for the cost and the time of additional education.

Job Growth: 2/5

Benefits: No

All scores range from 1-100. Higher scores are better

Bragging rights: 73/100Based on prestige and social approval, fame and public recognition, high income, highly educated, clean versus “dirty” industry, and level of people you deal with.

This is a hypothetical illustration of how long it takes to earn millions of dollars in each job. The calculation is complex, but uses earnings at various points in each career from entry level to mature performer. Individual performance will vary.